New York Mets David Wright Getting Checkup On Neck
By David Hill
At this point in time, the New York Mets are faced with the reality that David Wright will not return this year. Wright is, however, planning on returning next season, but can the Mets really count on him?
David Wright had been a star for the New York Mets. He had made seven All Star Games by age 30, while providing Gold Glove defense. His blend of speed and power, where he had nine consecutive seasons with double digit home runs and stolen bases, was quite unique for the position.
However, those days are long gone for Wright and the Mets. Dealing with a variety of injuries over the past few years, he has become a shadow of his former self. Now, battling spinal stenosis and recovering from fusion surgery on a herniated disk in his back, it is questionable as to whether or not he can be a part of the Mets future.
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He is, however, trying to make his way back. Yesterday, he traveled to Los Angeles for a checkup on his surgically repaired neck, which should be the official death knell to his 2016 campaign. Now, Wright is focusing on attempting to come back for the 2017 season, with the hopes that he can help the Mets to another postseason berth.
For the Mets, it would be quite foolhardy to expect that Wright can be a piece of the puzzle. Not only is his spinal stenosis potentially career threatening, but he has also played in a grand total of 75 games in the past two years. Given his injury woes, there is no reason for the Mets to consider him a part of the future.
However, with the $67 Million due to Wright over the next four seasons, it will be virtually impossible for the Mets to walk away. They need Wright to be, at the very least, somewhat useful. However, they will need to keep a piece around to make sure they have an insurance policy for when Wright inevitably gets hurt again.
There may be an alternative plan to help keep Wright on the field. While he may be best suited to be a designated hitter at this point, it could be possible for the Mets to spot him at first going forward. Yes, Lucas Duda is still in the picture, but a couple of games at first, with Duda in the outfield, could keep both bats in the lineup. Playing Wright four or five times a week, and minimizing his time at third, could help keep him on the field.
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It is highly unlikely that David Wright will last a full season in the foreseeable future. However, the Mets will still need to count on him going forward, if for no other reason than his contract.